MIPAS, the Micelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding, is a h
igh-resolution Fourier-transform spectrometer designed to measure concentra
tion profiles of atmospheric constituents on a global scale. It will observ
e the atmospheric emissions from the Earth's horizon (limb) throughout the
mid-infrared region, which will allow the simultaneous measurement of more
than 20 atmospheric trace gases, including the oxides of nitrogen and sever
al chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Of these, the five major species, as well as
pressure and temperature profiles, will be routinely retrieved by the ESA
ground segment. These MIPAS data will provide global data coverage, includi
ng in particular the polar regions, where the stratospheric chemistry is cu
rrently exhibiting some alarming changes.